GC Rams Girls Lacrosse 2007

Season Update

As the season approaches us, we have some exciting news concerning rule changes which have been adopted by United States Lacrosse Women's Division Board of Governors for the 2007 season.

The major changes that will impact youth play will have to do with penalty administration and optional expansion of Level "A" modified checking to grades 5 & 6.

In penalty administration, if a team receives three cards (yellow or red) for offenses occurring on the field of play, on the fourth and every subsequent card, the carded player must leave the field and no substitute may take her place for 3 minutes of elapsed playing time. In the past, a coach was permitted to replace the player.

US Lacrosse has also expanded the option of modified checking (Level "A" rules) to grades 5 & 6. In the past, only grades 7 and 8 have utilized Level "A" rules during the season. A proposal will be presented to PAL Executive Board meeting in November to adopt this rule change for the 2007 season. The proposal will be reviewed by and voted on by the PAL Board and Program Directors in December.

Long Island Senior Girl Youth Lacrosse League (LISYLL) 8th grade division has been approved for a second year by US Lacrosse to participate in the full checking pilot program. Both our 7th and 8th grade teams compete in this league, which continues to be recognized as one of four highly competitive programs in the US to participate in this pilot. The criterion to participate in the pilot includes league competitiveness, coach education and the quality of the officiating. LISGYLL only uses Senior Local rated high school varsity and District rated college officials on its games.

Coach Training and Student Coaching Opportunities

This year Rams Girl's Lacrosse will again partner with United States Lacrosse's Positive Coaching Alliance Program and Nassau County PAL in developing a Coach Leadership Program for high school students and adults. The curriculum is designed to for both the new and experienced coach and will assist in developing an understanding of the game as well as providing effective youth coaching techniques. Classes will be taught by local youth, high school and college coaches as well as lacrosse officials and experienced educators. PCA and USL Coach Training Level 1 certificates are required of all GC Rams Girl's Lacrosse coaches. Dates, times and location will be announced shortly and will be published in the Garden City News.

High school students who complete the program will be given the opportunity to take on a head coach role with a team while being mentored with an adult coach. The program is open to all high school students who have a desire to coach, basic knowledge of lacrosse and the ability to commit to attending team practices and games.

Indoor Program

Our indoor program and training sessions request is currently pending approval from the Village Recreation Department. Due to the increase participation, we have requested to start in December and run to March 2007. As soon as we receive approval from the village, the schedule will be announced.

3rd Grade Team Coaches Needed

Based on the success of our 2nd grade clinic, we expect to run up to four teams on the 3rd grade level. Anyone interested in coaching a third grade team should contact the program director.

Team Registration

Please note that the GC Rams Girl's Lacrosse program is a highly competitive travel lacrosse program, which requires both player and parent commitment. Lacrosse is a spring sport and all participants are asked to make lacrosse their primary team sport for the season.

Team registration will run from October 23rd and will end on December 23, 2006. Applications are available at Olympic Den, 676 Dogwood Avenue in Franklin Square (516.486.0975). The registration fee is $110.00 per player and includes uniform, mouth guard, insurance, game, league fees and USL membership. There is a $30 late registration fee for any player registering after December 10, 2006. Please make note of the changes in our registration dates. Applications are also available at the Village Recreation Department or on line at our website: www.gcramsgirlslax.com.

Individual's wishing coach, volunteer, participate in the Coach Leadership Program or are in need of additional information can contact Gary O'Connor, Program Director by email at garyoconnor@msn.com (preferred) or by call 516 248-3898.